Human Trafficking Workgroup

COVID-19 Resources

The Work Group remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of all County residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing and stay-at-home orders are important in decreasing the spread of this virus but can have devastating effects on certain residents. Pandemics can cause a dramatic rise in domestic violence, and increased vulnerabilities and risks of human trafficking. Survivors of human trafficking may experience unique difficulties and become triggered during this time. Several organizations and resources are available to assist residents.

County Resources

Contact us about the following:

• For emergencies, call 911.
• For non-emergencies, call 410-887-2222.
• If you are unable to call, email iwatch@baltimorecountymd.gov.
• Children, Adult and Family Protective Services—For suspected child abuse, neglect or trafficking, call 410-887-TIME (8463).
• Sexual Assault Investigations
• Domestic Violence Referrals
• Child Advocacy Center

Watch Baltimore County’s Police Chief Melissa Hyatt’s public service announcement video regarding COVID-19 and its impact on abusive relationships and violence.

Other Resources

The following resources provide free, confidential, 24/7 assistance:

• Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s (GBMC) SAFE Program offers medical-forensic and advocacy services to victims of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse and human trafficking. Patients with no emergent medical needs can now enter the hospital directly through the private SAFE suite. Police involvement is not required to receive medical-forensic services. 
  Contact: Call 443-849-3323. For after-hours assistance, call 443-849-2226 and request a call back from a forensic nurse.
• The National Human Trafficking Hotline can receive tips and connect victims of trafficking with life-saving resources and services.
  Contact: Call 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733).
• TurnAround can assist victims of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and trafficking. 
  Contact: Call 410-377-8111 or call the 24/7 emergency helpline at 443-279-0379.
• The Family Tree parenting helpline can provide parenting tips, assistance during a family crisis and access to community resources. 
  Contact: Call 1-800-243-7337.
• The Family Crisis Center (FCC) of Baltimore County helps families move forward from domestic violence by connecting people to resources, developing capacity and providing support. They offer emergency safe shelter and advocacy services for victims, groups for perpetrators of violence, counseling and family-centered coaching for individuals and families, educational and skills groups, parenting groups, community and outreach. The FCC’s Domestic and Sexual Assault Hotline offers resource and referrals, assistance with domestic violence and sexual assault for crisis intervention, safety planning, resources and referrals.
  Contact: Call 410-828-6390.

Mission 

This cross-functional work group addresses the complex issue of human trafficking in coordination with the County’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC).

The Work Group will take a victim-centered approach as they work to reduce trafficking and protect victims by providing them with the resources they need in partnership with a variety of organizations, including non-and regional counterparts across the state.

The multidisciplinary team of professionals on the Baltimore County Human Trafficking Work Group is dedicated to the prevention and reduction of human trafficking by:

• Improving public awareness and victim identification
• Linking victims and survivors to quality, trauma-informed, comprehensive resources
• Developing a collaborative, victim-centered response to human trafficking throughout Baltimore County

Membership

The Baltimore County Human Trafficking Work Group will be comprised of a team of professionals and individuals from the Commission for Women as well as representatives from law enforcement, education, social services, and health and legal fields.

Individual members must be County residents with a proven history and involvement in public advocacy. The Chair of the CJCC will approve the membership of the Work Group. The Work Group will also select a member (Chair) to be a permanent member of the CJCC.

• Ashley McAree, MSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A—Co-Chair
  Greater Baltimore Medical Center—Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program, Forensic Nurse
• Milana Vayner—Co-Chair
  Baltimore County Office of Law—Assistant County Attorney
• Jennifer Stine,  LMSW—Secretary
  Court-Appointed Special Advocates of Baltimore County, Inc., Executive Director
• Carmen Christiana—Special Liaison
  Outreach Coordinator, Office of Community Engagement, Office of the County Executive
• Stacy Amparo
  Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office—Assistant State’s Attorney
• Rosalyn Berkowitz
  Baltimore County Commission for Women—Commissioner
• Kimberly Ferguson
  Baltimore County Public Schools—Student Support Services, Director
• Michael L. Ford, Ed. D.
  Baltimore County Public Schools—School Safety Manager (West Zone)
• Detective Richard Prenger
  Baltimore County Police Department—Criminal Investigations Bureau-Crimes Against Children
• Dr. Brenda Savoy
  Baltimore County Commission for Women—Commissioner
• Krista Trahan, LCSW-C
  Baltimore County Health and Human Services, Social Services—Program Manager SATP/Co-Director CAC

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Role

The CJCC provides coordinated leadership:

• To establish cohesive criminal justice strategies, policies and programs
• Identifies deficiencies
• Formulates policy, plans and programs for improvement
• Collaborate to maximize resources and raise funds to support criminal justice programs

Meetings

The Work Group meets every second Tuesday of alternating months. (Meetings began May 8, 2018.) Subcommittee meetings may be requested by the Chair or Committee Chairs as frequently as required to perform its duties.

Minutes and Agendas

Quorum

A majority of voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and an affirmative vote of the majority of those present at any meeting shall be sufficient for any official action.

Staff Assistance

Staff assistance shall be provided by the Baltimore County Executive Office.

Additional Information

More information about human trafficking is available through the National Human Trafficking Hotline, at 1-888-373-7888, where you can learn about the types and signs of human trafficking.

If someone suspects human trafficking activity in Baltimore County, they are advised to call 911 to report their concerns.